3 Questions on the EU's space policy to Niklas Nienaß 3 Questions In 2023, the European Commission published the first EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, highlighting the need for a shared understanding and approach to space threats, and promoting global partnerships for responsible space conduct. Space technology plays a crucial role beyond military concerns, affecting our daily life globally. Disruptions to satellite infrastructure can lead to severe consequences, ranging from military incapability to supply chain breakdowns. Space has become a global focal point and a stage for geopolitical manoeuvring. Niklas Nienaß, a former MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany), has been a strong advocate for a cohesive EU space policy. We asked him three questions about the future of EU space policy. By Hannah Goerlich and Niklas Nienaß
Böll·Europe Podcast #15 | After the EP election: What’s next for the EU and the Greens? Podcast episode The European Parliament elections might be over, but that doesn’t mean that the constellation of power in the EU is all set in stone. In this episode, we’re looking at what the European election result means for the EU and the future of the Green Deal, how the Greens in the European Parliament are doing, what their priorities are and whether the Greens just might be a new power broker that’s necessary for the conservatives, social democrats and liberals to hold a stable majority. Roderick Kefferpütz, Director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's EU office, discusses this with Bas Eickhout, long-standing Member of the European Parliament from the Dutch Greens, and Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA Group. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Bas Eickhout
NATO summit: What Ukraine needs most urgently Commentary The NATO Summit in Washington, DC, from 9 to 11 July 2024, will not extend an invitation to Ukraine to become a member. The defence community can nevertheless send a clear signal that it will provide Ukraine with lasting support against Russia's war of attrition. By Robert Sperfeld and Jan Philipp Albrecht
Europe’s Conscription Challenge: Lessons From Nordic and Baltic States Paper As Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine reminds European countries about the importance of manpower, many are once again weighing the promise and perils of compulsory military service. By Sophia Besch and Katrine Westgaard
What the Labour manifesto says about the UK’s future relationship with the EU — and what it doesn’t Commentary Labour is still allergic to the E-word, says Ros Taylor. But the party’s manifesto offers hints of what a far closer relationship with the EU might look like. By Ros Taylor
Europe after the EP 2024 elections: Analysis of the results and their implications for Europe Event recording Europe has voted! The new European Parliament will shape the future trajectory of the European Union. The election results will not only influence the constellation of the next European Commission. They will also affect future EU policies such as democracy, climate, economy and social affairs. In this context, we discussed what are the main takeaways from the EP election results, what political groups will be formed, what majorities are possible, and what potential political alliances can be foreseen, and what does this mean for key issues such as the green transformation as well as the EU’s reform and enlargement agenda. With Jan Philipp Albrecht, Prof. Simon Hix, Joanna Maria Stolarek, Dietrich Herrmann, Marc Berthold, Michalis Goudis, Nóra Köves, Armida van Rij, Mar Garcia Sanz, and Roderick Kefferpütz. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Exploring the future of EU-Iran relations Event recording What are international avenues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights violations such as internet shutdowns, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and sexual and gender-based violence? How should the European Union respond to the regional and domestic dynamics and what could be the contours of a new European policy on Iran? How could the European Union effectively support Iranian civil society actors and activists and their spaces of action in Iran and in the diaspora? Webinar on 16 May 2024 with Gissou Nia, Founder and director of the Strategic Litigation Project, Atlantic Council & Cornelius Adebahr, Non-resident Fellow, Carnegie Europe. Moderated by Bente Scheller, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Berlin. By Cornelius Adebahr
The EU needs an Iran strategy, not just “more sanctions” Analysis European policy-makers need to rethink their approach to Iran and formulate a new policy that puts people and human security at its core. Such an approach would centre on a consistent human rights perspective and the sustained support for civil society. By Cornelius Adebahr and Barbara Mittelhammer
Transatlantic relations Dossier 2024 is a crucial year for Transatlantic relations, with EU and US elections at both sides of the pond. This web dossier compilates articles, podcasts and resources from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung offices and partners on the future of EU-US relations. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
Böll·Europe Podcast #14 | Europe after the 2024 EP elections Podcast episode More than 400 million people are expected to vote in the European elections on 6-9 June 2024, and decide on the next European Parliament. According to the polls, a shift to the right is expected in many EU countries, with populist, radical far right parties gaining votes and seats across the EU. What impact would this have? We will try to understand how the Europe we know might change in 2024 and foresee how the EU’s policy agenda and the direction of future EU legislation will be affected by it. And in line with this, we will also discuss the potential effects of an isolationist US administration after the November 2024 elections. Gail Rego talks to Roderick Kefferpütz, Director of the European Union office of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, and Sophie Pornschlegel, Director of Studies and Development at Europe Jacques Delors. By Roderick Kefferpütz and Sophie Pornschlegel